Blacksburg, VA {AP} The road ends here folks! The Season 22 NDL Cup Championship is upon us as the Virginia Tech Hokies traveled to Tuscaloosa to take on the Alabama Crimson Tide.
A match up pitting two of the toughest Defenses in the NDL, fans were in for a treat as both programs were playing for their first Cup Championship.
Virginia Tech would open the game with the ball, looking to silence the rowdy Alabama fans. The Hokie Offense would advance past midfield before the stingy Crimson Tide firmed up. Josh Chapman delivered a prompt message on a 3rd down attempt...
Time to punt!
Alabama would try to build on this momentum as Trent Richardson went to work on the ground. Pounding the rock in between tackles, the Tide opted to take a gamble when Philip Sims let loose a big bomb deep into the VT secondary...
On the receiving end, James Hopper of Virginia Tech...
Forcing the first turnover of the day, the Hokie Offense came out pumped...Maybe a little 'too pumped' as they gave the rock right back as a Clayton pass sailed over the unassuming head of Tony Gregory...Straight into the arms of Mr. Hightower...
Bama would take this good fortune and turn it into the first points of the game as placekicker Jeremy Shelley connected on a 43 yard attempt.
Down 3, the Hokies had a sense of urgency to respond. Understanding that Bama has devoured teams that played 'from behind' - QB JuJu Clayton took to the air with confidence as his senior wide receiving corp rose to the occasion. Hauling in big catches, none was bigger than a 3rd down attempt inside of the Bama redzone by Danny Coale...
This huge catch in traffic, set the table for Virginia Tech's first TD as David Wilson found space behind a convoy of blocks...
Up 7-3, the Hokies felt great about their response, but it would be short lived as Alabama punched the Hokies right in the mouth on their ensuing drive. For Bama, their spark would come in the form of a 52 yard bomb hauled in by superstar wide receiver Marquis Maze...
That deflating catch put the Hokies on their heels, which then led to a clean 4 yard TD scamper by Richardson, putting the Tide up 10-7 before halftime.
Bama would open the 3rd quarter with the ball, but quickly gave it back to Virginia Tech when Philip Sims saw his 2nd pass of the day fall into the hands of a VT defender...
This turn over events would put the Hokies firmly within striking distance, later resulting in a game tying field goal, knotting it up at 10-10
Bama wouldn't sweat it as they promptly responded with a huge drive, ending in another field goal by Jeremy Shelley - giving the Tide the lead. 13-10
An 'oh-too-familiar' feeling, trailing in this contest, the Hokies were back on their heels again. Back to facing a long field in front of them with rabid Alabama defenders ready to pounce around every corner.
{Insert David Wilson}
First play from scrimmage...BOOM!
Wilson's 74 yard scamper catapulted the Hokies into the lead with great momentum. This would carry over to the Defensive side of the ball as the Hokie D stopped the ensuing Bama possession. Now in the 4th quarter, time was becoming a factor as Bama was forced to punt.
The punt would be a beauty, pinning the Hokies on their 2 yard line. VT would inch their way up on their first two downs before going to the air...In an attempt to catch Alabama asleep, it was the Crimson Tide who would strike back with a huge PICK SIX!
Damn...Damn...Damn...Now trailing 20-17, Virginia Tech would need a short term memory in order to stay in this contest. They would respond right away in the form of a huge throw and catch from JuJu Clayton to Dyrell Roberts...
In just a matter of seconds the Hokies were back in business, now deep in the Bama redzone. Looking for the tie at worst, they would go to the ground in an attempt to eat clock and gain composure. Things looked promising, but it was a huge hit on David Wilson that would change things as he was carted off the field; diagnosed with a mild concussion - done for the game.
Shit...Shit...Shit...Wilson is now out in crunch time, it was up to JuJu Clayton to push this team across the finish line. Unfortunately, he would get trigger happy too soon, resulting in an INT in the endzone....Ouch
Bama would return the ball out, almost with a lane to the crib, but Clayton would make a TD saving tackle. Bama was now firmly in the drivers seat, with a 3 pt lead with roughly 4 minutes to go.
Time was of the essence as the Hokie Defense knew they couldn't afford to let Bama control the game. In response, the Hokies would force a quick 3 and out, with a shot at another possession following a huge punt.
In what could be their final stand, the Hokies prepared for the 2-minute drill. They would take to the air early and often with a game changing reception being made by Marcus Davis...
Seemed like a case of De Ja Vu..."Bama redzone...Time not on your side..." what to do?
Lets try to keep the ball on the ground this time...Now under 1 minute to go, the Hokies found themselves inches away from taking the lead.
1st and goal...stuffed
2nd and goal...slightly stuffed
3rd and goal...QB SNEAK!! Except JuJu tripped over his own feet and fell on his face...
4th and Goal on the 1 yard line - Virginia Tech opts to go for the win...Not the tie...The result!?
WOW - GOALINE STAND BY BAMA!! With 24 seconds to go, this game was all but over as Alabama took over on their 1 yard line. They would go to the ground, forcing the Hokies to burn their timeouts, before eventually punting.
The punt was a beauty, but Bama would make a fatal mistake as Virginia Tech tried to block the kick, leaving no one to block on the return team.
Tony Gregory would call Fair Catch, but a Bama gunner didn't notice as he coasted into Gregory...
PENALTY - > Kick Catch Interference
Huge blow to Bama as a drive which would have started on the 45 yard line, would now begin on the 31 yard line. Instead of fighting for field goal position, the Hokies were in striking distance with 14 seconds to play.
First play from scrimmage, Bama would come out showing Blitz while the Hokies came out showing Attack!
This would be the call........
TOUCHDOWN HOKIES!! With 9 seconds to go, Virginia Tech had taken the lead, stunning fans in Tuscaloosa.
The game would end as Virginia Tech escaped with a 4 point victory, capturing the Season 22 NDL Cup Championship.
The first in school history, this championship is extra special for Coach VTrunNgun who's been dreaming of winning some hardware with his alma mater since joining the NDL.
Helluva game Biffy. Could not have dreamed of a more epic battle against a stellar coach such as yourself. Good luck with Bama the rest of the way
Scoring Summary:
1st Quarter:
No Scoring
2st Quarter:
Bama: 43 yard FG by Shelley (6:35)
VT: 5 yard run by Wilson (3:36)
Bama: 4 yard run by Richardson
3rd Quarter:
VT: 32 yard FG by Myer (4:07)
Bama: 31 yard FB by Shelley (2:05)
VT: 74 yard run by Wilson (1:51)
4th Quarter:
Bama: 11 yard INT return by Milliner (5:28)
VT: 31 yard pass from Clayton to Davis (0:09)
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